Coteaux de la Citadelle | Liege

The Coteaux de la Citadelle is a 28-hectare protected green space in the center of Liège. It encompasses the steep slopes between the historic district of Hors-Château and the plateau of the former Citadel.

Visual Characteristics

The site features a diverse landscape of terraced gardens, orchards, wooded paths, and medieval remnants. It is characterized by narrow alleys, stone staircases, and preserved defensive walls. The terrain offers contrasting views between the dense urban architecture of the valley and the expansive greenery of the slopes.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at 4000 Liège, with primary entry points at Hors-Château (via Montagne de Bueren or Impasse de l'Ange) and the Citadel plateau.

Public Transport: 10-minute walk from Liège-Saint-Lambert station.

Parking: Nearest facility is Parking Cité.

Access: Free entry 24/7.

Mobility: High physical demand. Most paths are steep, consisting of uneven steps or dirt trails. It is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Historical Origin

The area served as the city's primary defensive fortification for centuries. The site contains the ruins of the 13th-century city walls and the 17th-century Citadel. During the 19th and 20th centuries, much of the area was used for private gardening and grazing. In the late 1990s, the city of Liège initiated a project to consolidate these parcels into a public park to preserve both the ecological biodiversity and the historical heritage.

Key Highlights & Activities

Montagne de Bueren: The iconic 374-step staircase forming the most direct vertical ascent.

The Terraces: Former private kitchen gardens now maintained for public viewing and biodiversity.

Sentier des Terrasses: A walking trail that snakes horizontally across the slopes, offering panoramic views.

The Wall of the 600 Franchimontois: A segment of the old fortifications associated with the 1468 resistance against Charles the Bold.

Urban Fauna: The site is home to sheep and goats used for natural maintenance of the steep grassy slopes.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is largely natural with minimal commercial infrastructure. Signposted walking routes (marked in different colors) guide visitors through the network of paths. Benches and viewpoints are situated at strategic intervals. Restrooms are not available on the slopes; use facilities in the Hors-Château district. 5G signal is generally strong but can drop in deep wooded sections.

Best Time to Visit

The hills are accessible year-round.

Spring/Summer: Optimal for the blooming orchards and gardens.

October: The "Nocturne des Coteaux" event (first Saturday) features over 20,000 candles illuminating the paths and stairs.

Safety: Avoid paths during heavy rain or ice, as the stones become hazardous.

Facts & Legends

The site is classified as a "Major Heritage Site of Wallonia." Legend surrounds the "600 Franchimontois," a group of local soldiers who allegedly climbed these slopes in a stealth attack against the Duke of Burgundy's camp in 1468. While the historical number is debated, the event remains a cornerstone of Liège’s identity as the "Ardent City."

Nearby Landmarks

Montagne de Bueren – Integrated within the site

Museum of Walloon Life – 0.1km West of base

St. Bartholomew's Church – 0.2km East of base

CHU Notre-Dame des Bruyères (Citadel Hospital) – At the northern summit